Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1887-06-04
The EASTERN RRANCH BRIDGE,
Report Of Col. p. G. Hains.
An IRON BRIDGE RECOMMENDED 10 COST s1O3. .soo-A
BOARD OF ENGINEER OFFICERS APPOINTED 10 CON-
sIDER THE QUESTION.

Col Hams, In his report to the chief OF engin-
eers on the proposed bridge over the Eastern
Branch, at the foot Of Pennsylvania avenue, says
that aIter nearing the views OF parties interested
In the Dridge, and from an examination Of several
lines, he Is OF the opinion that the one making an
angie OF about six degrees to the southwark Of the
extension OF Pennsylvania avenue will be the best.
THIS ne Is informed is the line selected by Capt.
Fred. Mahan. Corps Of Engineers, when the sub
Jecs OF an appropriation was under consideration.
Three other lines were surveyed, but, from an en-
gineering point OF view, the shortest line
would be the BEST as it would also
be the cheapest, its direction being more nearly
perpenGcular TO the axis OF the stream but the
route OF travel would not be as convenient to the
Reople, as Ihat OF line more nearly In prolonga-
tlOn OF pennsylvania avenue The bridge Is to Oc-
cupy position between two existing bridges, one
at Jennings and the other at the navy yard. 1t
mer in any case. 1t would seem, there
fore, judiclous to locate it SO that the
eastern terminus n @ may may approach point midway
suited In the matter seemed to be OF the same
opinion. In view of these facts, Col
Hans on a@og n the in Ss
sylvania avenue. On this line it would
be what Is known as skew bridge; that Is, the
the axis OF the bridge II this line be adopted the
length OF the stream from high-water mark on
one size 10 high-water mark on the other would
length would be 2, 235 feet. The eastern approach
starts from the center OF the circle at the inter-
section OF Kentucky and Pennsylvania avenues,
and crosses the B. and P. r. R. at high grade.
The grade OF the track is about IA feet above
mean low tide, SO that an overgrade crossing will
| room of 20 feet in order that a man standing on
1relght car can clear the bridge.
clear head room OF 1s feet would seem to be
ample Tor all practical purposes and 1t is recon-
mended that the grade be fixed ON this basis at
about 35 feet above low tide. The Balr1mere and
the alignment OF its road. Should the change be
made the new line will be about $50 feet southeast
OF the Old line and at about the same grade. The
question arises whether the expense OF this cross
Ing should net be borne in whole in part by the
railroad company, and 1t is SubHtted for decision
OF the Secretary OF War before the construction Is
Degun. The next question to determine was
THE PROPER WIDTH
the bridge should have. 1t was evident from the
beginning that the amount of money available was
too small to build as wide bridge as was wanted.
roadway OF at least "a feet is deemed necessary,
and footwalk is also needed on each side OF the
bridge which should be feet wide. The least
width of the bridge on this basis Is therefore 81
feet, and 1t IS recommended that this width be
necessary that bridge constructed in this locality
should not obstruct the tidal flow In the Eastern
Branch. The main channel Of the river is
wide at this place, and, so far as navigation is
concerned, Is Of little use, sand scows being the
only class O. OF vessels that navigate it; but in
respect to Its effect on that part OF the river be-
Hw the navy-yard and by reason OF its influence
on the sanitary condition OF the city, IT is neceS-
believed that width OF at least 1000 feet should
be retained for the tidal flow. In estimating the
cost OF the bridge and its approaches that part
road Is included. 1t is thought under the charter
OF this road, however. this part OF the structure
should be built by the company.
THE MOST SUITABLE KIND OF BRIDGE
would be deck bridge Of iron trusses, carried on
Wi no MI mo Il,
Side, and through span over the railroad OF the
western approach. The estimated cost of such a
structure is S11369O. hiSeStimate is for bridge
32 feet wide, without draw. II in the future
draw span should be needed one could be estab-
lshed on the piers OF the proposed structure with
little additional cost. This estimate is far in
such a structure is therefore ] = Out TOT Of the the
"a feet wide,, with an 1s-foot roadway and
OF the appropriation. The latter is not recon-
mended under any circumstances. The estimate
Is given to show that an iron deck bridge, which
Is really the most suitable for the locality, cannot
be built for the amount appropriated by Congress-
II the iron trusses be replaced by wood the Of
structure is almost inadmissible, however. as the
tendency OF the wooden bridge is to deteriOrate,
and its liability to destruction are arguments OF
such cOgent nature ag ga1nSt its adoption that 1t
would not be recommended II it could be built for
the appropriation.
THE NEXT BEST CONSTRUCTION
dlteI LILO Iou ITuSS On SIOne piers is COmOnat10n
OF iron truss on stone piers and iron trestles on
piles or groups of piles. The western approach
to be iron trestles distance OF about 26O feet
then section OF 1rOn-truSS bridge, 500 feet in
length, across the deepest part OF the river. Then
section OF iron treStes OF 700 feet in length
the ShOal part. Then an earthen embankment 665
feet In length. The estimated cost OF such a
structure, 80 feet wide, with q 24-foot roadway
and two sidewalks each feet, is S1O3, 800.
1t will be seen that bridge can be built on the
line proposed for the amount OF the appropriation
and though 1t would not be as handsome struct-
ure as one would wish TO 1t can be made dura-
bic and substantial. Col. Hams therefore recon-
mends that he be authorized to advertise for plans
and proposals.
RECOMMENDATIONS By THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS,
Gen. Duane, In submitting the report to the Sec
retary OF War, endorses 1t follows: SIN view of
the Importance OF the subject and the necessity
for careful consideration OF all the questions con-
nected Herewith 1t is deemed advisable that the
plan and location OF the bridge in question be re-
ferred to board Of engineer officers for exam1na-
tOn and report, and 1t Is accordingly recommended
that board to consist OF the following officers
be assembled Tor the purpose: Col j. NJ. Wilson,
Lieut.. COL T. c. Hams, Maj. G. j. Lydecker, with
Lieut.. e. McD. Townsend, recorder; the board to
meet at the Call OF the senior officer at the earliest
date consistent with the other duties of the men,
bers" Gen. Benet, acting Secretary OF War has
approved Gen. Duane's recommendation, and an
order appointing the board will be issued to-day.
The Haytien Government.
PRESIDENT sOLOM ON ENTERS UPON HIS SECOND SEP
TKNNATE.
On the 3Oth Of June, 1856, the assemble nation